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Streaming upgrade from Cambridge Audio cxn v2

I have a great sounding system with ayre integrated and sonus faber serrafino speakers. The streamer/dac is by far the cheapest part of the system with the Cambridge Audio cxn v2. I’m wondering if upgrading the streamer/dac would give a step function improvement or if the cxn is already good enough and the improvements will be subtle at best. My dealer is recommending the ayre qx8 but I’ve not yet listened to it. Any thoughts for a streamer/dac that would give me a step function improvement for around $6000 new or used.?

deone

Showing 2 responses by deone

deone OP
31 posts
 

Thank you all so much for the suggestions.

I'll definitely explore separates but the space considerations may make that difficult (but not impossible).  Thanks also for the roon suggestion; I will do at least the trial and see if that helps.

blisshifi: I am not using the digital volume control of the CXN V2; just using it as a streamer/dac since I have an excellent volume control in my Ayre integrated.  Since you are a Cambridge Audio dealer, do you have any insights into sound quality improvements in CXN100 (if one is not using the volume control)?

 

 

 

deone OP
31 posts
 

Thanks a lot for the input.  I must say I'm surprised that many of you are suggesting an expensive streamer rather than a cheap streamer and an expensive dac: if the dac has a reasonable sized buffer, shouldn't it make up for the weakness in the streamer?

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